Warm Rents: Fair Heat as Standard
15/12/2025
Can landlords guarantee a healthy minimum indoor temperature and make retrofit pay back faster? In this episode, we revisit last winter’s Warm Rents pilot with Switchee, Clarion, Yorkshire Housing and Places for People.
The pilot funded heat to a baseline 18°C via fuel vouchers and smart thermostat settings, lifting average indoor temperatures by around 1°C and cutting relative humidity below the high-risk 60% threshold linked to damp and mould. The 18°C baseline aligns with NHS and World Health Organization guidance for maintaining health in temperate climates.
Economics that add up: around £500 to heat a home for the winter versus £600 for a typical mould wash or £750+for two overnight hospital stays — prevention beats repair.
Policy angle: today’s rent framework separates rent from heat. Including a minimum heating guarantee within rent would correct inequity between well- and poorly-insulatedhomes and create a clear ROI for retrofit.
Partners: Switchee, Clarion, Yorkshire Housing, Places for People
Practical steps for housing providers
Identify under-heated homes using temperature and humidity data (e.g., smart thermostats) and flag those consistently below 18°C.
Trial a warm-baseline offer such as 18°C using time-limited fuel vouchers to validate impact on damp and mould.
Quantify avoided costs — compare prevention against reactive repairs and healthcare costs to build your business case.
Engage on policy — brief your board on the Rent Standard and support pilots exploring integration of a heat guarantee into rent.
Join the next phase — express interest in Warm Rents 2.0 with Switchee and Healthy Homes Hub to scale evidence and design.
Host: Jenny Danson, Co-founder, Healthy Homes Hub
Guest: Adam Fudakowski, Executive Chair, Switchee
What Are the Benefits of Being a Member of the Healthy Homes Hub?
Industry Recognition and Networking:
Connect with a thriving network of over 350 housing organisations, including decision-makers, innovators, and leaders. Build partnerships that enhance your professional growth and create lasting business opportunities.
Showcase Your Expertise:
Demonstrate your impact by participating in exclusive case studies, webinars, and events. Highlight your contributions to creating healthier, sustainable homes, reaching a broad audience across the sector.
Influence Policy and Advocacy:
Be part of shaping housing policy through direct engagement with policymakers and advocacy efforts. Stay at the forefront of discussions driving meaningful change in the housing sector.
Access to Market Insights:
Gain access to Healthy Homes Hub’s regular newsletters, expert analysis, and resources. Stay informed about trends, regulations, and innovative practices that affect housing professionals.
Specialised Events and Workshops:
Take part in events like the Immersive Study Tours, offering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Visit groundbreaking projects and facilities to explore real-world solutions for healthier and more sustainable homes.
Exclusive Tools and Resources:
Only members can upgrade to Housing Sage, a cutting-edge AI assistant tailored to social housing professionals. Benefit from personalised insights, regulatory guidance, and innovative ideas to enhance your operations.
Collaboration Opportunities:
Contribute to Healthy Homes Hub’s mission by sharing best practices, participating in action learning programmes like the Retrofit Society, or co-developing solutions with academic and industry leaders.
